Some Wisconsin Communities Look to Shuttered Schools for Housing

Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 -- 1:00 PM

(Danielle Kaeding, Wisconsin Public Radio) As communities around Wisconsin look for solutions to housing shortages, some developers are transforming shuttered schools into apartments.

According to Danielle Kaeding with Wisconsin Public Radio, since 2017, communities and developers have sought state grants or tax credits to redevelop about 20 former school buildings.

Others have used a mix of financing to redevelop vacant schools statewide. In the Columbia County village of Randolph, a former school building will become 31 units of market rate and affordable apartments.

The community of nearly 1,800 residents is receiving a $250,000 grant for the project from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, or WEDC.

Village President Ken Ireland said one of the community’s greatest needs is senior housing. He said some older residents might want to downsize and rent apartments or buy condominiums.

“You have the need for housing more acceptable to the elderly that isn’t available,” Ireland said. “They stay in their homes, so then there isn’t that turnover of workforce housing available because there’s nothing available for those that are looking for a smaller home.”

In September, the village entered into an agreement with developer Obsidian Estates. Most of the new apartments will be offered at less than market rate.

The project is estimated to cost around $1.5 million. WEDC’s review states that renovation may not proceed without financial assistance. Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC, said state grants often bridge the gap when traditional financing is unavailable.

“They provide the community and the developers with capital that doesn’t have to be repaid and helps to mitigate some of the risk in the project,” Hughes said.

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